The Wise Men Visit Jesus

Matthew 2:1-12

Our true story comes from a part of the Bible called the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew was a disciple of Jesus. That means Jesus was his teacher. And the word gospel means “good news!”

A long time ago, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem, a bright new star appeared in the sky. Far away in another land, some wise men saw the star shining. These wise men studied the stars, and they knew this one was very special. They said, “A great King has been born! Let’s follow the star and find Him.”

So the wise men packed their bags and began a long journey. They rode over hills, crossed dusty roads, and traveled for many days and nights. But they didn’t give up. They wanted to find the special King God had sent.

At last, the star led them to the land of Judea. They went to the big city of Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the child who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star and have come to worship Him.”

King Herod, the ruler, did not like hearing about another king. He secretly told the wise men, “Go find the child, and when you do, come tell me”—but Herod did not want to worship Jesus.

The wise men left Jerusalem, and something wonderful happened. The star they had seen in the sky appeared again! It led them all the way to the place where Jesus was. When they saw the star stop, they felt so happy they could hardly contain their joy.

The wise men went inside and found Mary with the young child Jesus. When they saw Him, they knelt down and bowed low. They knew He was the special King God had promised.

Then they opened their treasures and gave Jesus three special gifts:

• Gold, a gift fit for a king
• Frankincense, a sweet-smelling incense used in worship
• Myrrh, a valuable perfume

The wise men gave Jesus their very best because they loved and honored Him.

That night, God warned the wise men in a dream not to go back to King Herod. So they took a different road home, happy that they had seen Jesus.

The wise men traveled far, followed God’s leading, and worshiped Jesus with joyful hearts.

Key Takeaway for Preschoolers

The wise men followed the star to find Jesus. When they saw Him, they were filled with joy and gave Him their best gifts. We can show love to Jesus too.


Dear God,

Thank You for sending Jesus to us. Thank You for the wise men who followed the star and worshiped Him with joyful hearts. Help us love Jesus and give Him our very best every day.
We love You, God.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.






Bible Verse: “Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord.” — Luke 2:11, BSB

Paraphrase: “Jesus is born! He is the Savior God promised to us.”



Activities

These activities help preschoolers engage with the story through movement, crafts, music, and storytelling, making the lesson fun and memorable.


1. Follow the Star Path

Objective: Help children understand that the wise men followed a special star to find Jesus.

Materials: Star cutouts or star stickers, tape.

Activity: Place star cutouts on the floor in a winding path around the room. Invite children to follow the “star path” just like the wise men did. At the end of the path, place a simple picture of Jesus with Mary.

Talk About It: “The wise men followed the star because they wanted to find Jesus. We can look for Jesus too—He is always with us!”


2. Wise Men Gift Boxes

Objective: Teach that the wise men brought Jesus special gifts.

Materials: Small paper cups or boxes, gold/yellow paper scraps, cotton balls, crayons, glue.

Activity: Children decorate a little “gift box,” then fill it with pretend treasures such as gold paper scraps (gold), a cotton ball with a tiny bit of perfume applied by an adult (frankincense), or a colored paper circle (myrrh).

Talk About It: “The wise men brought Jesus their best gifts. What gifts can we give Jesus? Kindness? Helping others? Saying thank You?”


3. Starry Night Sky Art

Objective: Reinforce the idea of the bright star guiding the wise men.

Materials: Dark blue paper, white or yellow crayons, star stickers.

Activity: Children create a night sky by drawing simple stars and placing star stickers. Encourage them to make one large star to show the special star God used.

Talk About It: “God put a special star in the sky to help the wise men find Jesus. God helps us too.”


4. “Follow the Star to Jesus” (Musical Activity)

Objective: Celebrate the wise men’s joyful journey with a simple, engaging song.

Materials: None (optional: children hold a paper star while singing).

Activity: Teach the children this short song to the tune of  “London Bridge Is Falling Down” (Public Domain). Encourage gentle swaying or a “marching” rhythm as they pretend to follow the star.

Song: “Follow the Start to Jesus” (to the tune of “London Bridge Is Falling Down”)

    Follow the star to Baby Jesus,
    Baby Jesus, Baby Jesus.
    Follow the star to Baby Jesus—
    He is God’s Son!

    Wise men came to worship Him,
    Worship Him, worship Him.
    Wise men came to worship Him—
    He is our King!

Talk About It: “The wise men followed the star and gave Jesus their best. How can we show Jesus love today?”

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Story illustrations are the copyright of James M. Thomas. All rights reserved.
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